10 a.m. – 12 noon @ McMurrich Monteith Township
Present: Jessica Busch, WORC; Chantal Perron MacIntosh, WORC; John Santarossa, EDO Magnetawan; Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Jeff Johnston, KPABA; Carly Hughes, Business Centre of Nipissing/Parry Sound; Dave Gray, CDO Burk’s Falls/Armour/Ryerson; Karen Insley Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Ron Begin, FedNor; Gerry Spooner, FedNor; Carol Armstrong, McMurrich/Monteith; Martin Jenkins, Bauwerk
Jessica brought a copy of the Almaguin Highlands Strategic Plan formed in May of 2002 – great thanks to Kay Todd for providing a copy. Kay also wrote a brief letter explaining how the document came together.
Discussion around the table focused on ways to build AHED and Economic Development in the region. Carol Armstrong suggested a representative from AHED could potentially visit Trade Shows promoting the Almaguin Highlands, driving tourism and encouraging industry to move here. Ron Begin spoke of many small groups in the area making impacts – MOPED, CAEDA, KPABA, Chamber of Commerce, etc. An Investment Readiness Study would perhaps be the next step in encouraging industry to move to the Almaguin Highlands – there is a lot of work to be done, infrastructure cost, planning, identifying opportunities, FedNor could potentially assist with this. Karen Insley Stewart stated that the Strategic Plan should be revisited with next steps (action items) determined – Who does AHED represent? Jeff Johnstone spoke on the programs and initiatives which have been initiated through the AHED committee. Jeff encouraged that more people/organizations should be invited to attend – Chamber of Commerce, Muskoka, Nipissing. Jeff will encourage attendance through the KPABA newsletter for November. David Stewart said identifying the region was the most integral aspect of the Strategic Plan done in 2002 – a new Strategic Plan should be explored with new ideas and web based marketing. It was mentioned at the table that most Municipalities already have their own Strategic Plans in play.
Martin Jenkins from Bauwerk presented on 3D Printing. Martin owns a shop in downtown Parry Sound at 59B James Street and has been in business since early June of this year. Martin explained the 3D printing process and identified some ways this technology is currently being used. Along with some amazing examples of his work, Martin discussed future uses for this technology along with price breakdowns and materials used for different purposes. To check out more, please visit Martin’s website at www.bauwerk.ca or better yet, stop in and see him!
John Santarossa/EDO Magnetawan
John reported that their economic development strategy is complete and the township is currently creating an Investment Readiness Plan which should be ready for late fall. Magnetawan Small Business Information Day will be on Tuesday October 22nd at the Magnetawan Community Centre from 10-1, the event is free and all are welcome. The school closure is still a hot topic issue, John will keep us informed. A resolution at council was passed for paved shoulders (bike lanes) along Highway 518 along with appropriate signage.
Dave Gray/CDO Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson
Dave announced that there will be a Funder’s Forum at the Karl Crozier Arena on November 20th at 6:00p.m. An Investment Readiness Plan is being explored. Friday October 18th will be the monthly Coffee House at the Burk’s Falls Village Pub & Eatery at 7:00 p.m. Come early to get a seat.
Merv Mulligan/McMurrich Monteith Township
There is a Request For Proposals out right now for new windows, siding and insulation for the old school house. The renovations would allow the seniors year round access to the building where appointments, clubs and meetings can take place. The hockey equipment for the youth league is due to arrive soon.
Gerry Spooner/FedNor
Gerry introduced himself and is looking forward to attending AHED meetings.
Ron Begin/FedNor
Ron reported that Gerry attended the Port Loring Business AGM where there were 67 people in attendance. Ron suggested that the Port Loring Business Association be invited to attend AHED meetings.
Carol Armstrong/McMurrich Monteith Township
There is an initiative to start a youth group in the area. There will be a youth dance on October 24th at the Community Centre.
David Stewart/Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc.
Dave expressed the urgency of signage in the Almaguin Highlands. Dave suggested that Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. could be lead applicant – wants to work and partner with Municipalities in the region.
Jeff Johnston/KPABA
Jeff reported that there is a business seeking a 15000 square foot facility for moving to the Almaguin Highlands – if anyone knows of such a space, please contact Jeff. Jeff discussed the Graphite Mine article in the Almaguin News regarding at how the life of the mine is now expected to be 50 years and 80 employees could potentially double. The aggregate from the mine is 400 series quality which could create a spinoff opportunity comparable to the graphite mine itself.
Karen Insley-Stewart/Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc.
Karen spoke in regards to fighting fluoridation in our water systems. There will be a meeting October 21, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the District of Muskoka – the speaker is a dentist out of Barrie. The potential effects of fluoride in the water systems can be extremely hazardous, especially due to the fact that it is industrial graded fluoride which is found in our drinking water.
Carly Hughes/Business Centre of Nipissing and Parry Sound
Carly reported on four upcoming events for Small Business Week. On Monday October 21st, RBC in Sundridge is hosting an open house. Tuesday October 22nd, there will be a Small Business Information Day in Magnetawan. Wednesday October 23rd there are workshops being offered in North Bay and Thursday October 24th will be an event in Parry Sound. Please contact Carly for more info on any of these events. Carly also announced that a Business Satellite Kiosk has now been installed in Whitestone.
Jessica Busch/WORC
Jessica reported that EST is coming along nicely with the course approximately half way through. The October Resource & Business Network luncheon will be held on Wednesday October 30th from 11:30 – 1:30 at Dee’s Bistro in Burk’s Falls, the topic will be “Marketing Effectively on a Small Budget”. For more information please call Chantal at 705-386-9672 or email info@womensownresource.org
The Women’s Own Resource Centre is partnering with Legal Aid Ontario and East & West Parry Sound Victim Services to bring you “Myths and Realities… Legal Aid Ontario” on Thursday November 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the South River Machar Community Centre in South River. Legal Aid Ontario will be providing information about their services and the Family Court process. Topics will include: Mediation services and alternatives to court, Family Court process and emergency orders, How to change custody, access and support. This event is being offered free of charge and all are welcome to attend – please call 705-386-9672 to register.
WORC is running a ‘Warm Winter Clothing Exchange’ for the month of November – any warm winter clothing you may have to donate would be greatly appreciated, coats, hats, mitts, scarves, boots – women, men, children – all sizes are greatly needed.
WORC will also be running a ‘Food and Toy Drive’ from November 1st to December 12th. This time of year is always very strenuous on the Food Bank and WORC is striving to relieve some of that pressure. Toys are being collected for donation to ‘Christmas Hampers’ as well – any unopened toys in good condition, please drop off at 105 Ottawa Avenue in South River. WORC is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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